Dealing with inherited trauma

Did you know that research has now proven that various kinds of trauma are passed through the maternal line? And that we have a herb that can support its release?

Last summer I grew Withania somnifera (Ashwaganda / Withania) for the first time, and being a nightshade plant it was so very easy to grow! Withania is from the same family as vegetables like potatoes, tomatoes & capsicums. 

I recently spoke at the NZ Association of Medical Herbalists conference, and had my brain blown by research shared by our keynote speaker Leah Hechtman. Trauma comes in all shapes and sizes. Some we experience within our own lifetime. But we also carry a lot of intergenerational trauma too. Peripartum depression and lack of deep sleep impact the lymph system in the brain and its ability to flush and repair the brain, and also rewire the brain - this impacts on our neuroplasticity. Researchers have found that microchimerism cells are passed from baby to mum and mum to baby. This is part of why we know now that emotional issues and trauma can be passed from mum to baby and through the generations.

For instance:

• A maternal high cortisol or burnout of cortisol is passed to the baby. 

• PTSD transference can pass through three generations. 

• Maternal depression and infant sleep disturbance affects early attachment. 

• Parental stress is transmitted in utero and also post birth, and in fact can predispose a human to being sympathetically nervous system dominant their whole life i.e. stressed, nervous, anxious, leading to adrenal fatigue. 

• Studies have also found that where there has been rape, poverty, extreme trauma such as that experienced by jews in the concentration camps that can also be intergenerationally passed on.  

This is why it is so vital that we personally and as a society consider the effect of burnout, stress, anxiety and depression in our mothers. Imagine a world where pregnant women were supported in the workplace and the effect this could have. Consider how much less post natal depression there would be...

Also did you know that at each hormonal change in your life cycle such as menstruation, pregnancy and menopause, all your hidden stuff in the brain surfaces. Your brain is asking you what do you want to carry over? What trauma continues into this next stage? What do you want to choose to release and rewire? 

In each life stage a female brain has parts that shrink and grow. We perhaps notice in our matriarchs that they are less worried about what others think. Perhaps less affected by good girl complexes and people pleasing, and finally they have the opportunity to prioritise their own needs, versus everyone else's.

Does this resonate?

In order for us to release trauma and rewire the brain, it needs to have neuroplasticity. As we age the ability to create new neural synapses reduce, and sometimes we get stuck in patterns which no longer serve us, carrying burdens that are not our own or are ready for release. 

Multiple studies have proven that Withania increases neuronal pathway activity within 3 months. It also increases nerve development, synaptic development, and increases neuroplasticity. Withania is also a herb we use for restoring the nervous system, recovering from adrenal fatigue, anxiety and depression. Withania will increase memory, focus and stress tolerance. It supports hypothyroid conditions and nourishes us. How amazing is that? 

There are other additional approaches we can use to support the release of trauma in diet, herbs, ThetaHealing & reparenting techniques. If you would like to try a supplement with Withania or book an appointment to discuss these contact me on the button below. 

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